LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Two Middletown FFA members were recognized with Paul and Otha Alexander Memorial Scholarship awards at the 2021 Lake County Fair.

The $550 winner, Sophia Guzman, has over the course of her six years with 4-H and FFA raised a variety of market animals — rabbits, turkeys and beef.

She served as the associated student body treasurer and a member of the cheer team at Middletown High School.

During her senior year, she also found her calling to be a teacher, particularly a teacher of ag and veterinary science.

She is enrolled at Santa Rosa Junior College at the start of pursuing that path.

First runner up, Tanner Pachie, was awarded $350. He also is a 2021 graduate of Middletown High School, a 4-H alumni, an FFA and associated student body officer.

He is a seven-year veteran of the California High School Rodeo Association and a four-sport scholar athlete.

Pachie is presently in Bozeman pursuing a degree in kinesiology at Montana State University.

“Both these recipients possess the kind of character, leadership, and community involvement this scholarship is meant to recognize,” said Peggy Alexander, coordinator of the Paul and Otha Alexander Memorial Scholarship.

This year marks the 21st year of scholarship awards to local graduates.